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Question
OK im a senior in Milton Fl. I have a choice to play Football at Huntingdon college in Al. or i can GO to FSU and walk on and earn my spot to LONG SNAP. I have chose to take my chance at the FSU walk on. I feel my Skills are up to par with most of the D-1 Long Snappers ive watched on T.V. if not better and im not saying that to be cocky. But im 62 220lbs with a 4.9 40(yrd dash) have a 450squat and a 275 bench. I wrote to Bobby Bowden earlier in the season and he wrote me back saying that im more than welcome to come and try out for the position. now the question is what are the steps for me to walk on. Ive already filled out my Application to the University. what do i do after i get accepted????
Thanks,
Eric Baker
Eric
Congratulations. Makes sure all your academic paper work is sent to the school timely and properly. Also write to the coach again, advise him that you have an application pending. This way the football office is aware that you are in the admissions process.. I presume you have filled out the NCAA Clearinghouse forms, if no make sure you do. Double check with the school's football that all the paperwork required by the NCAA and the school are on file.
After you get accepted, make sure you continue to work out (strength train and condition). Most programs will send you a work out sheet that has the strength and conditioning program they want you to follow during the off season. You can be proactive and request one from the football office or the teams strength coach.
Also it might be a wise move to write to the team's specialty team coach and introduce yourself. Also ask if there is anything he wants you to do so that you are ready for the try out - or if there are any drills he wants you to work on. This serves to give him name recognition of you and shows you are serious about walking on as a long snapper.
As you know long snapping is not only a skill but an art. Make sure you practice you long snapping drills a couple times a week. During the Summer I would recommend you spend at least 30 minutes a day snapping. You need to work on your technique, accuracy and timing. There are kicking camps over the Spring and Summer months that kickers go to before college to try to polish their skills. I am unaware of any camps that focus on long snappers.
Please let me know how you do this Fall. Also make sure you keep your grades up, everyfootball team needs student athletes who will bring academic stability to a team. Best of luck to you.
Vic Winnek
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Vic Winnek
Expertise
Will Answer all queries RE: Rules of Football - NCAA & Federation; Officiating; Instruction on Football; Mechanics & application of rules; Setting up Instructional programs and clinics for: Officials, coaches and media; Liability Issues (Legal & Insurance questions)arising from coaching, playing, refereeing, product liability. Serve as an Consultant and Expert Witness in Football Related Matters in Tort and Contract (Standard of Care for: officials, coaches, players, assignors, BOD; Player, equipment, field & stadium Safety; Fee issues, independant contractor workers compensation. History of the College football game -its evolution. MY PURPOSE IS TO INFORM & EDUCATE FANS, MEDIA, THOSE INTERESTED IN FOOTBALL ABOUT: THE RULES, THEIR APPLICATION, PHILOSOPHIES; OFFICIATING; LEGAL ISSUES INVOLVING FOOTBALL. I WILL NOT RESPOND TO BASHING OF TEAMS, COACHES OR OFFICIALS. I will not dignify rude or disparaging comments with a response, nor entertain questions that use profanity or questions that suggest Football officials are corupt, such an insinuation is ridiculous and ludicrous.
Experience
24 years officiating High School & College football, NCAA Referee, Umpire, Back Judge & Line Judge 2 years Arena Football-substitution official Instructor of NCAA & Federation Officials, Played prep and college football; coached High School football; Athletic trainer; 23 years of instruction in Officiating Football
Organizations
Past President of Calif. Football Officials Assoc; Western Collegiate Football Officials Assoc.; CFOA-Long Beach Unit Board of Directors CFOA-South Bay Unit & Long Beach Unit, Pres. Executive Council of Calif. Football Officials Assoc.; CIF Presidents' Council on Officiating; Chairman Ethics Committee
Publications
Referee Magazine; California Football Officials Assoc. Instructor's Guide; NACC Div. 1-AA football officials' clinic; CFOA instrutional materials; Articles written: Line of Scrimmage mechanics, Forward Progress, Side Line Warnings, 2006 NCAA New Timing Rules; various instructional materials, UWLA Law Review
Education/Credentials
BA USC 1987
JD UWLA School of Law 1996
3 Years Reno Football Officials Clinic
4 Years UCLA Football Officials Camp
Big 12 Mini Clinic
NFL Grass Roots Clinic
Aloha Clinic, Honolulu, HI
West Coast Alliance Clinic
Awards and Honors
NCAA Div. 1 FCS & Div. III, 9 post season Bowl Games, play-offs, CIF Div. 1,2,3,5,8,9,10,12 Final, 10 years CIF Semi-finals, 19 years of CIF play-offs, California State High School Football Div. 1 Championship, Southern California Jr. College Championship, NCAA Div. III Semi-Final
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